Saturday, March 10, 2007

Jewelry for Spring

Hello, jewelry friends. Spring is coming, and along with thoughts of nicer weather comes fresh inspiration for jewelry design ideas. March features Aquamarine as the modern birthstone.

Some colors to consider in your jewelry designs for March include the lovely blue-green of aquamarine. Other lovely complements include aventurine, amazonite, blue quartz, and turquoise beads. Clear quartz crystal or Swarovski crystal beads are another great choice to use when combined with any blue-green colored beads, just to add some sparkle!

Fashion colors for spring include brown as a new basic, and every shade of green, teal, and aqua. Pair your blue-green designs with a little tiger's eye beads, smoky quartz beads, or wood beads for a striking combination. These colors work equally well with gold or silver.

Just mix things up on your bead table and see what strikes your fancy. Most of all, just have fun!

Wednesday, June 21, 2006

My First Book is Published!

Hello, jewelry making friends! I am proud to announce that my brand new eBook "How to Run a Jewelry Party Business for Fun and Profit" is published and available on the website today!If you've been wondering where all the new jewelry projects went this past week, I got sidelined writing and editing my book! More free,fresh jewelry designs are coming soon! Meanwhile, if you've ever dreamed of having your own home based jewelry business, I really hope you will check out my new book. It's based on my years of experience as a successful jewelry designer, and gives you a clear action plan to get started today. I worked really hard to make sure this book provides real value. Best of all, if you purchase the book and don't find it valuable--return it for a 100% full refund, no questions asked.

Wednesday, May 17, 2006

New Projects

I keep adding new jewelry projects to the website as quickly as I can. The site is new but already lots of people are visiting, which is very exciting. Welcome, fellow jewelry makers! If you have suggestions or requests for things you would like to see added to the website, or if there is a technique you want to learn that I haven't covered, drop me a line!Today's project is a great blue and aqua crystal bracelet. It's hot outside and I wanted to make something cool. This one is called "Blue Waters". Very sparkly and pretty! Don't forget to try the matching Swarovski crystal flower earrings. Have fun and happy jewelry making!

Tuesday, May 16, 2006

Gold is Back - New Gold Jewelry Designs

Yes, gold is making a comeback in jewelry designs...and unfortunately the timing couldn't be worse because the cost of gold is at an all time high. This means gold metal jewelry supplies are far more expensive than ever before, and jewelry designers will need to charge more for their gold jewelry to off-set the costs. What's a jewelry girl to do?

Well, consider using gold-tone (base metal), gold filled, or vermeil as a replacement for 14KT gold in your designs. Also, mixed-metal like silver mixed with gold is a good alternative. Consider using gold glass beads or gold colored pearls to spice things up a bit. Dichroic glass has metal inside of it for great reflective effect. Use accents of gold, like gold spacer beads, instead of an all-over gold design. Finally, try some gold-tone link chain in your designs for a totally fresh look that doesn't break the bank. I've added several new designs to the website in the past couple of days. Here is a favorite new jewelry project for you to make - a lemon quartz lariat! Even more jewelry projects are coming this week on the website, so check back often.Have fun and happy jewelry making!

Wednesday, May 10, 2006

New Jewelry Projects, Website Features & More

Hello, jewelry friends!

I am finally home from a month long road trip, and I am full of inspiration and new jewelry ideas that I want to share with you. Are you just learning about jewelry making, or have you been beading for a while but are looking for some great new free beaded jewelry projects and fresh jewelry ideas? Well, I have been busy making up some new projects and I am posting them to the website as quickly as I can so you can start to enjoy them. Take a look at some of the new bracelet projects and earring projects I have posted in the past few days.

Inspired by the American Southwest, my Silver & Turquoise Braceletis a triple strand of mixed turquoise beads and sterling silver. Wow! Pair this with my other two turquoise bracelet ideas, and don't forget to make a pair of the Square Pearl earrings with turquoise seed beads to match.

My most ambitious project for the website so far is a stunning pair of golden Chandelier Earrings. This advanced wire working project will take you several hours, but you will be impressed with the results!

This week I also published the first Making Jewelry e'Zine jewelry newsletter to my subscribers. If you subscribe then you are receiving my jewelry product reviews, tips on jewelry coupons and special savings, birthstone jewelry ideas, and even more free projects that are not shared on the website. It's free! If you haven't already subscribed, be sure to Subscribe Now.

Also new on the website this week (I did mention the website was new, didn't I?) are two new features. In the Jewelry Chat Room, I have set up a discussion forum where jewelry designers and beaders can share ideas, ask questions and chat about jewelry. Right now I have a survey trying to find out where you purchase most of your jewelry supplies. This will help me to fine tune the website content and get the best info to you in the newsletter. Also, check out the Designers Gallery. Share your jewelry design photos on the website and get some free press! I will link to your website or provide your contact info so you can get credit for your designs.

Well, that's all for now....I have to go make some more jewelry! Have a great week!

Wednesday, April 12, 2006

Where do you find jewelry inspiration?

Hello, jewelry friends. These last couple of days I have been taking an American road trip through California and Arizona. I always find tons of things to inspire me to make new jewelry. The beauty of Sedona Arizona offers stunning red rock views and the shops are full of native American inspired jewelry. I know as soon as I get back I will be featuring new designs full of turquoise, more dangling chandelier earrings, and silver and leather! Here is a photo where I am in Sedona wearing some fabulous chandeliers that really seemed to fit the mood of the place!

Today finds me in Hermosa Beach, California. Here I have nature's beautiful Pacific ocean, with the surf churning with every color of blue and green. Yesterday I even saw some dolphins swimming off the pier! Nature is always so inspiring. I am dreaming up some lovely shell jewelry, as well as some luscious bracelets and earrings in ocean colored designs. Keep watch on the website as many new designs are coming soon! Where do you find your jewelry inspiration? Comment on this blog and share your ideas!

Friday, March 24, 2006

Welcome to my new website!

Hello, fellow jewelry making friends. You've found my brand new website,www.making-jewelry.com. This new website (and blog) is all about making jewelry, and it was launched for the first time today! Yahooo! I am excited to finally have the site up..but there are lots of little tweaks and fine tuning still needed, not to mention a ton more things to add.

Coming soon, many more jewelry projects and ideas, a jewelry designer's gallery, more jewelry supplies (including my favorite suppliers and tips on where to buy), better photos, and more!

But, the site is off to a great start and I am excited to share it with you. Your feedback and comments on the site are always welcome, just fill out the form on the "Contact Me" page.

Also, be sure to join the Making Jewelry 'Zine(my on-line Jewelry Newsletter) because I will be posting all the great design ideas, new jewelry supplies and products and any special bargains I come across. PLUS - just for subscribing I will send you additional free jewelry projects that are not available on the website.